Be Careful Out There

Microsoft's Patch Tuesday for June includes a big whack of Critical Updates for Windows. If you use Yahoo!Messenger, you'll want the most recent version. Your Java probably needs updating...again. Also, a great (but not free) anti-malware tool

More updates than you can shake a stick at Microsoft issued patches to fix security problems with Internet Explorer 7 (all versions), Outlook Express and Windows Mail, and the Windows components that handle security for websites that start with https://. Please download and install these patches. You can grab them at any time from Windows Update (http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us) or by turning on Automatic Updates from your Windows Control Panel

If you IM on Yahoo!, it's a good idea to have the most recent version of Yahoo!Messenger, available here: http://messenger.yahoo.com/download.php. Previous versions contain security flaws that could make your browser vulnerable to attack and exploitation.

If you updated your Java after reading last week's column (http://rlis.com/columns/column98.htm), then your Java is up to date! If not, you should make sure you have the most recent version. You'll find it at http://java.com/en/.

CounterSpy

Regular readers know I recommend a layered approach to safe computing. You need, at minimum, a good, up-to-date anti-virus program, a firewall that is turned on, and something to dig out or keep out other vicious forms of scumware. I believe in using free products wherever possible. For instance, you could use AVG Free anti-virus (http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1), ZoneAlarm Free (http://www.zonealarm.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_za.jsp?dc=12bms&ctry=US&lang=en) firewall (or the built-in Windows firewall), and Windows Defender (http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx) to keep reasonably safe. (You also have to use some common sense, but that's for another column.)

Beyond all that, Spybot Search & Destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html) and/or Ad-Aware (http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad_aware_free.php) can help rid your computer of most malware that penetrates your other defenses.

This week I worked on a computer which had no protection at all. Once installed, AVG Free found and eliminated over 100 infected files, but one of the trojans had dropped malware called iSearch in the computer. Spybot found it and tried to get rid of it, but just wasn't up to the task.

Long story short, CounterSpy from Sunbelt Software detected and removed most of the iSearch components, and made it possible for me to remove the remaining files using HijackThis and dynamite. (OK, I'm kidding about the dynamite.) CounterSpy is free for a 15-Day trial period, and it is fully functional during the trial period. It combines real-time protection ("keeps the bad guys out") with the ability to find and eradicate whatever does get in.

After the trial period, you can pay for a one-year license, uninstall the program, or keep using it, but without the real time protection. It's less expensive than a visit from me! You can learn more and download the trial or pay version of CounterSpy here: http://www.sunbelt-software.com/Home-Home-Office/CounterSpy/. I have no connection with Sunbelt or CounterSpy, and I have nothing to gain by recommending it. Nevertheless, I do recommend it. I purchased a copy, uninstalled Windows Defender, and am now relying on CounterSpy. And that common sense thing.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.